The Cincinnati Reds announced Friday that they’ve named Terry Francona, a three-time Manager of the Year, as the team’s next field manager over the next three seasons.
Francona agreed to a three-year contract through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028, according to a release.
“I am so excited and honored to join an organization with the tradition and history of the Cincinnati Reds,” Francona stated in a release. “I only played one season for the Reds in 1987 but in that season, I learned that Cincinnati is a great baseball city. I want to thank Bob Castellini, Nick Krall, and Brad Meador for giving me this opportunity to manage the Reds. I can’t wait to start meeting and interacting with these good young players of ours.”
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Francona has more than 23 years of experience managing at the Major League level. He led the Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, and his 921 wins across 2013-23 with the Cleveland Guardians are most in franchise history.
Francona holds a career .538 winning percentage and 1950-1672 record as manager, winning American League Manager of the Year in 2013, 2016 and 2022. He’ll take over for David Bell, with whom the Reds parted ways in September after six seasons.
“Terry’s proven track record speaks for itself. He is an outstanding manager who will lead our Club forward,” Reds Principal Owner and Managing Partner Bob Castellini stated in a release. “The Reds and all of Reds Country are proud to welcome Terry to Cincinnati.”
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As a player, Francona was a first round draft pick in 1980 by Montreal. He went on to play 10 seasons including one with the Reds in 1987. His father Tito Francona played 15 years in the Major Leagues and was an All-Star with Cleveland in 1961.
An introductory press conference is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at Great American Ballpark, according to a release.
“Terry is a future Hall of Fame manager that has experience winning with young talent,” Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall stated in a release. “I’m extremely excited that he wanted to be a Red, and he is the right person to take us towards our goal of winning a championship.”
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